Frequently Asked Questions

Each of the questions answered are frequently asked by people calling our office. They are listed here in no particular order.

Do you do bio-identical hormones?

All of the doctors at Tara Natural Medicine are well versed in prescribing bio-identical hormones. Bio-identical hormone therapy involves using hormones that are chemically identical to human hormones in doses that are individualized to a patient’s specific hormonal needs. The goal is to achieve a balance of hormones to improve quality of life and prevent disease. Hormones used include estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, and testosterone, among others and they are prepared by compounding pharmacies specifically for the individual. To learn more about compounding pharmacies or bio-identical hormones, click here.

2. What kinds of health issues do NDs help with?

Natuopathic Doctors are trained as primary care family doctors that specialize in natural medicine. As such, they are able to work with both acute and chronic conditions. Some of the chronic conditions ND’s work with frequently include digestive complaints (IBS, colitis, crohns, reflux, etc), stress/anxiety, insomnia, hormonal issues, fatigue, chronic infections, allergies, auto-immune conditions, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, mood disorders, gynecological concerns, and cancer support, among others. Acute conditions treated include upper respiratory infections, ear infections, rashes, and other types of acute infections and disorders. Feel free to contact the office to find out which doctor would be best able to address your concerns.

3. What kinds of lab tests can you run?

The doctors may choose to run laboratory tests in order to best assess your health and determine appropriate treatment. Labs ordered may include blood work done through conventional labs such as Quest and Labcorp. Other labs ordered may include specialized stool testing, blood food allergy testing, saliva testing for hormones, urine testing for hormones, neurotransmitters, or toxin evaluation, or blood tests for nutrient profiles, advanced cardiovascular testing, or immune system evaluation. Dr. Levy also does pap smears and vaginal cultures.

Many of the labs we work with will bill patient’s health insurance, and we also have a program to order bloodwork at reduced rates to patients who are not working through health insurance or who prefer to pay out-of-pocket.

4. Can I come in to talk with an ND about my child’s vaccinations?

The doctors can do vaccination consultations with existing patients (30 minutes) or new patients (1 hour). (Parent OR child can be an existing.) This type of appointment can occur with either or both parents, before a child is born up to whenever vaccinations are being considered. Please let us know the age of your child so we know which vaccinations are most important to discuss, as sometimes two visits are required to cover all childhood vaccines! Dr. Levy also offers periodic vaccination information nights for small groups to educate about vaccination options.

5. Do you take insurance?

Our office does not directly bill any insurance plans. We do, however, provide superbills to our patients with the appropriate coding so patients can submit these to their insurance companies. Patients who have a variety of PPO plans report that they often receive a percentage of their fees reimbursed, depending on their plan. We try to track this information at the front desk, so if you have had success receiving reimbursement, please let us know!!

6. Can N.D.’s prescribe medicine?

All of the Naturopathic Doctors at Tara Natural Medicine can prescribe pharmaceutical medications. ND’s in California are able to independently prescribe natural and synthetic hormones and all forms of vitamins, minerals, homeopathy, and other natural substances. Other pharmaceuticals may be prescribed under agreement with a supervising medical doctor. Each of the doctors at Tara Natural Medicine has his or her own supervisory agreement with an MD with an agreed upon formulary.

7. Do any of the N.D.s at Tara Natural Medicine do classic constitutional homeopathy?

All of the ND’s at Tara Natural Medicine are trained in classical homeopathy and utilize it as part of their treatment plans.

8. Regarding the Cleanse Program: How much does it cost? How often are the meetings?

The cleanse programs that we offer consist of 3 or 4 weekly meetings, depending on the program, conducted live, online. By special arrangement Dr. Levy also teaches live classes around the Bay Area. The cost for the program is $350 and includes classes, supplements, written materials, and support. The classes alone cost $150 for the entire length of the program. The program is designed to be used with nutritional supplements, however it can be done without any supplementation as it is a food-first, healthy eating and lifestyle program. More details on our cleanse program can be found here, or contact the office for details on current and upcoming classes.

9. Can I get a gynecological exam at your office?

Dr. Levy performs gynecological exams, including pap smears and vaginal cultures. Well woman visits are available to new patients as well as current clients of any of the doctors at Tara Natural Medicine.

10. What is the far infrared sauna good for and how much does it cost?

In a Far Infrared Sauna heat is absorbed directly into the body, unlike traditional sauna which heats the body indirectly via air or steam. Incredibly useful for detoxification, infrared sauna is also used for weight loss, wound healing, relaxation, cardiovascular health, pain relief, and more.

In terms of detoxification, sauna therapy allows the fat-soluble toxins stored in the fat to be released through the skin. Compounds stored in the subcutaneous fat include both toxins absorbed through the skin and compounds that have been deposited from the circulation, including heavy metals, medications, and pesticides. Studies have shown that these compounds can be effectively eliminated from the body using sauna therapy.

Far Infrared Sauna sessions cost $25 each, or a package of 5 sessions can be purchased for $100. Each sauna session lasts between 20-30 minutes.

11. I would like a copy of my medical records. How do I obtain a copy?

Medical records are strictly confidential and will be copied in whole or in part with a written request directly from the patient or guardian. Records will be mailed or available for pickup within ten business days of receipt of your request, unless an urgency exists which requires they be sent sooner. Due to confidentiality concerns, we will only transmit records by fax when there is urgent medical need. We can also scan your records and create a pdf document that we can transfer to a jump drive that you provide. Because copying records takes time and materials, there is a $25 fee for copying records.

12. What is B12 Happy Hour? Do you have to be a patient to come in for a B12 shot? B12 Happy Hour is a designated time for people to come into the office to receive a B12 injection. During this time we do not have regular appointments, so it is quick and easy for people to drop in for an injection. B12 injections cost $25, and are available to new and current patients.